Old-Fashioned Potato Soup is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy texture, delicate onion flavor, and hearty chunks of tender potatoes, this soup is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Made with basic pantry staples, it’s a no-frills dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a comforting lunch on a cold day. This recipe is straightforward and honors traditional methods, offering a timeless taste that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling the potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups whole milk (or milk of your choice), at room temperature
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes:
Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it sits about 1 inch above the potatoes. Add 1-2 pinches of salt and stir. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat. - Cook the Potatoes:
Bring the water to a gentle boil. Boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork but do not fall apart. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the potato cooking water and set it aside in a small bowl. - Sauté the Onion:
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt, swirling it around the pot to coat the bottom evenly. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion. - Cook the Onion:
Sauté the onion in the melted butter, stirring occasionally until the onion softens. Be careful not to burn the butter or onion. Once softened, remove the pot from the heat. - Combine Ingredients:
Drain the boiled potatoes through a colander, then set them aside. Add the boiled potatoes, room-temperature milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot with the sautéed onions. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients. - Simmer the Soup:
Return the pot to the stovetop over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil the milk (you should only see small bubbles forming around the edge of the pot). Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. - Mash or Blend the Potatoes:
After 10 minutes of simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash or purée approximately half of the potatoes. This will give the soup a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for a rustic feel. - Adjust Consistency:
If you prefer a thinner soup, stir in the reserved potato cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional pepper or fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Russet Potatoes: Russets are ideal for this soup because of their high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture. You can substitute with Yukon Gold for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Milk: Using room-temperature milk prevents the soup from curdling when added to the hot mixture. If you forget to leave it out, you can warm it slightly before adding it to the pot.
- Texture: For a chunkier soup, mash fewer potatoes. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend more of the potatoes to create a creamy base.
- Customize It: Feel free to add extras like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs such as chives for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates that provide lasting energy.
- Onion: Onions are full of antioxidants and compounds that support heart health and the immune system.
- Milk: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamin D, contributing to strong bones and overall health. You can substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Potato Soup is a classic that’s sure to satisfy anyone craving a warm, comforting meal. The simple ingredients allow the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions to shine, while the creamy texture makes every spoonful feel indulgent. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Plus, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping!
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This soup is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free, provided your ingredients (especially the butter) are free from cross-contamination.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of whole milk.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it uses simple techniques to maximize flavor while preserving the integrity of the ingredients. The butter and onion provide a base of rich flavor, while the creamy milk and tender potatoes create a comforting and filling dish. By mashing half of the potatoes, you get a balance of creamy and chunky textures, making the soup both satisfying and hearty.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Potato Soup is a timeless recipe that deserves a place in every kitchen. Its simplicity is part of its charm, offering a deeply satisfying dish made from humble ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this soup will warm your heart and soul with every bite. Pair it with fresh bread or a salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the comforting nostalgia it brings.
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Old-Fashioned Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30mins
Description
Old-Fashioned Potato Soup is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy texture, delicate onion flavor, and hearty chunks of tender potatoes, this soup is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Made with basic pantry staples, it’s a no-frills dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a comforting lunch on a cold day. This recipe is straightforward and honors traditional methods, offering a timeless taste that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling the potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups whole milk (or milk of your choice), at room temperature
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes:
Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it sits about 1 inch above the potatoes. Add 1-2 pinches of salt and stir. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat. - Cook the Potatoes:
Bring the water to a gentle boil. Boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork but do not fall apart. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the potato cooking water and set it aside in a small bowl. - Sauté the Onion:
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt, swirling it around the pot to coat the bottom evenly. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion. - Cook the Onion:
Sauté the onion in the melted butter, stirring occasionally until the onion softens. Be careful not to burn the butter or onion. Once softened, remove the pot from the heat. - Combine Ingredients:
Drain the boiled potatoes through a colander, then set them aside. Add the boiled potatoes, room-temperature milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot with the sautéed onions. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients. - Simmer the Soup:
Return the pot to the stovetop over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil the milk (you should only see small bubbles forming around the edge of the pot). Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. - Mash or Blend the Potatoes:
After 10 minutes of simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash or purée approximately half of the potatoes. This will give the soup a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for a rustic feel. - Adjust Consistency:
If you prefer a thinner soup, stir in the reserved potato cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional pepper or fresh herbs, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 20mins